Imara

Origin

The name Imara has Swahili origins, meaning 'firm' or 'strong'. It is derived from the Arabic root word 'amara', which relates to strength and firmness. While not originally Australian, the name has gained popularity in multicultural Australia due to its melodic sound and meaningful background.

Meaning

Literal translation in Swahili is 'strong' or 'firm'. In the Australian context, it is often associated with resilience and strength, reflecting positive qualities valued in Australian culture.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈmɑːrə/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the second syllable) or /ɪˈmɑːrə/ with a long 'a' sound, stress on the second syllable, as in 'im-AR-a'.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 16 July (International Day of the African Diaspora)
• 10 February (World Day of Social Justice, recognising resilience and strength) in some Australian multicultural calendars.
• Māori celebrate the Māori New Year (Māori: Matariki) around late May to early July, a time of renewal and strength, which can be culturally linked in multicultural narratives.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with imara:

• Imara Grace and Imara Faith
• Imara Lily and Imara Jade
• Imara and Amara (double name)

Fun Facts

• The name Imara is also used for a brand of healthcare products in Australia.
• Imara was a character in a popular Australian children's book series about resilience and adventure.
• The name has gained popularity in Australia since the late 2000s, often chosen by multicultural families seeking a name with strong meanings.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name imara:

• Resilient
• Strong-willed
• Gentle
• Compassionate

Aesthetic Qualities

Imara has a soft yet strong visual appeal, with balanced syllables and an elegant shape that suits modern Australian tastes in naming, combining cultural sophistication with ease of pronunciation.

Geographical Distribution

Most popular in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where multicultural communities thrive and diverse naming practices are common, with lesser usage in rural areas.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9 in numerology, associated with humanitarianism, compassion, and idealism, traits appreciated in Australian social consciousness. It suggests a warm, nurturing personality with a global outlook.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the zodiac sign Cancer (born around late June to late July), highlighting nurturing qualities and emotional strength, complementing the name’s meaning.

Historical Context

While Imara is a modern name in Australia and does not have deep historical roots locally, it has been embraced in recent years due to Australia's multicultural ethos. It is sometimes associated with characters in contemporary Australian literature and media that embody strength and resilience.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well in various languages; in Arabic-speaking countries, it might be spelled 'Amara', while in other languages it remains largely the same, sometimes simplified to 'Imara' or 'Amirah'.

Famous People Named imara

• Imara L. Smith (Australian-born singer-songwriter)
• Imara Johnson (Australian athlete in athletics) with emerging recognition.
• Imara is also a name used by some Australian authors for characters representing strength and multicultural heritage.

Popularity in Australia